I'll try to have fun. I really want to avoid the controversial threads though. I'm still learning to "lighten up" and not take things too seriously. Some subjects really get me going..lol
TheMark
JoinedPosts by TheMark
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51
just wanted to introduce myself
by TheMark ini've been a lurker for quite some time and enjoy the forum.
i've reached a point in life where i don't argue ideologies anymore so i don't have much to say.
i've been out for decades and believe i've been mostly de-cultabilized (if that's even a word).. my family is still in and i haven't had contact with them in years.
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254
Michael Brown verdict discussion policy
by Simon init's likely that the grand jury verdict on the michael brown incident will be released in the coming days or weeks.. i've no doubt many people are going to feel strongly about things whatever the verdict is.. whatever the outcome though, here's what's not going to happen:.
we're not going to put up with inflamatory language and comments designed to rile others up.
be respectful.. we will not allow accusations of racism simply because some have a view of the verdict that contradicts others.. there will not be invented evidence or claims being repeated - if it's been falsely reported or debunked then it's off limits.. it's not going to be an opportunity for people to air past gripes over past discussions.. if you feel that you cannot discuss the subject in a rational way then it may be better to simply avoid any topics on the matter.. please try to be objective and respectful if you do decide to comment and not keen to take offense.
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TheMark
I apologise for my comments a few pages ago..yes they were baseless, i know nothing about the story and will refrain from further comments. I'll just wait and see what happens.
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51
just wanted to introduce myself
by TheMark ini've been a lurker for quite some time and enjoy the forum.
i've reached a point in life where i don't argue ideologies anymore so i don't have much to say.
i've been out for decades and believe i've been mostly de-cultabilized (if that's even a word).. my family is still in and i haven't had contact with them in years.
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TheMark
I was in late 70's early 80's, it seemed that back then there was a certain level of discussion allowed. Nowadays its seems like if you say anything other than "Oh..aren't we lucky to be so well fed" or "wasn't that study/talk just so uplifting"..lol, you're an apostate. Drives me nuts.
Well you know, if you want to grow food, all you have to do is search the Awake..it's supposed to be in there, somewhere. After all, you do get a PhD after six years of reading that stuff..
pretty frustrating
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51
just wanted to introduce myself
by TheMark ini've been a lurker for quite some time and enjoy the forum.
i've reached a point in life where i don't argue ideologies anymore so i don't have much to say.
i've been out for decades and believe i've been mostly de-cultabilized (if that's even a word).. my family is still in and i haven't had contact with them in years.
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TheMark
I do enjoy the site also, very informative in many respects.
Richard, notice I said prefer and not enjoy. Extremes are extremes, heat is better for me though.
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254
Michael Brown verdict discussion policy
by Simon init's likely that the grand jury verdict on the michael brown incident will be released in the coming days or weeks.. i've no doubt many people are going to feel strongly about things whatever the verdict is.. whatever the outcome though, here's what's not going to happen:.
we're not going to put up with inflamatory language and comments designed to rile others up.
be respectful.. we will not allow accusations of racism simply because some have a view of the verdict that contradicts others.. there will not be invented evidence or claims being repeated - if it's been falsely reported or debunked then it's off limits.. it's not going to be an opportunity for people to air past gripes over past discussions.. if you feel that you cannot discuss the subject in a rational way then it may be better to simply avoid any topics on the matter.. please try to be objective and respectful if you do decide to comment and not keen to take offense.
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TheMark
How many shots were fired again? 6. 8. Maybe more I don't know I didn't follow the story, but the cop
1) killed an unarmed civilian -- should be fired
2) is a bad shot -- should be fired
3) couldn't handle the pressures of the job and reacted unprofessionally -- should be fired.
Grab your beer and popcorn, it's gonna be a good show.
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No comment on tight dresses from TM3. Gotta keep those WTB MS motivated!
by aintenoughwiskey inthis is sexist, sisters can strut around in painted on dresses.
i recall one elders wife (she looked fantastic by the way) with a very tight form fitting dress that would have showed a birth mark, let alone a panty line.
none was revealed!
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TheMark
No panty lines? Is it hot in here or is it just me?
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51
just wanted to introduce myself
by TheMark ini've been a lurker for quite some time and enjoy the forum.
i've reached a point in life where i don't argue ideologies anymore so i don't have much to say.
i've been out for decades and believe i've been mostly de-cultabilized (if that's even a word).. my family is still in and i haven't had contact with them in years.
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TheMark
Thanks again for the welcomes everyone.
Communication is really not my forte, I really struggle to put my thoughts into written words, so trying to reply to everyone would be a tremendous undertaking..lol.
But let's just say that, when I was young and crazy.. .. I've made many mistakes, couldn't stay put for any period of time, so the separation that occured with my family probably would have happened anyway regardless of the fact that I had been a JW or not. I had an independant spirit..lol and I just started travelling. Since all my familly are JWs, I respected their decision and just stayed away. My family never had strong ties to start with so it never bothered any of us that I wasn't around. So it didn't affect me when they decided to disfellowship me. Actually I left, and not the other way around. I just couldn't live the lifestyle. There's only one person from my family that I'm in contact with on a regular basis. Nice to know that not everyone follows the rules to the letter.
I ended up in California because I can't stand the cold. I prefer cooking in 110 degree F, that freezing at sub zero temperatures. Even California is cold in the winter. Those little tropical islands are starting to look really nice..lol. Hell won't be such a bad place afterall..lol.
When I look up at the stars, I do miss the dream though, but reality quickly brings me back down to earth. Who are we really? I don't think my questions will ever be answered. Oh well..
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51
just wanted to introduce myself
by TheMark ini've been a lurker for quite some time and enjoy the forum.
i've reached a point in life where i don't argue ideologies anymore so i don't have much to say.
i've been out for decades and believe i've been mostly de-cultabilized (if that's even a word).. my family is still in and i haven't had contact with them in years.
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TheMark
Just wanted to add. The reason I joined in 2013 and never posted was that I live pretty far from civilisation..lol and I couldn't use my phone to post or comment. Just got an internet connection..yay
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51
just wanted to introduce myself
by TheMark ini've been a lurker for quite some time and enjoy the forum.
i've reached a point in life where i don't argue ideologies anymore so i don't have much to say.
i've been out for decades and believe i've been mostly de-cultabilized (if that's even a word).. my family is still in and i haven't had contact with them in years.
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TheMark
Originally from the East Coast, I'm a French Canadian but now living in California. Didn't realize I was inventing a word..lol
Started reading Crisis of Conscience and stopped rather quickly as I realized reading anything JW related doesn't interest me at all, except this forum of course, only because I get the news before they get the news..haha. I do understand however that for some, reading these books will help them in their recovery.
It took me awhile to wake up. Way back in the late 80's and early 90's I've attempted to get reinstated many times but never succeeded. The whole thing was just too boring for me. I'm not the smartest but I like debating ideas and since this is a no-no with the witnesses it made the experience truly bland. We should have a right to discuss whatever we choose, how else can we grow. In my last attempt I was in my original congregation with 2 BIL on the commitee. Apparently they wanted to make me suffer a little, I didn't appreciate that so I just bid them farewell never to return or try again.
I've learned many things just reading this forum and I came to the conclusion that no man has access to true knowledge. I can't say for sure if I'm an atheist but I sure think like one..lol. The bible? Well, the flood story took care of that for me (thanks leolia, I think that's her name, real smart cookie).
I respect other people's beliefs so I'm not really a staunch JW apostate but they are truly closed-minded, like most religious organisations.
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51
just wanted to introduce myself
by TheMark ini've been a lurker for quite some time and enjoy the forum.
i've reached a point in life where i don't argue ideologies anymore so i don't have much to say.
i've been out for decades and believe i've been mostly de-cultabilized (if that's even a word).. my family is still in and i haven't had contact with them in years.
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TheMark
Thanks for the welcome!
Let's review: It's a cult! (I love that, brings a smile to my face everytime I read it)
I've had my own cognitive dissonances myself but like Tenacious said, this was at a time when information was not available to the masses. As soon as it was, I re-adjusted my thinking. Just the logical thing to do. I understand the Stockholm Syndrome and the too much invested part but sometimes you just have to let go if the beliefs are ludicrous. Isn't that what the path to truth should be?
I'm happy to see however, that the only thing the leadership can come up with as far as spiritual food is tight pants and colored socks. Might wake up a few to the fact that these bethel guys aren't anymore enlightened than the rest. Hopefully.